Ball marker holder with removable ball marker

ABSTRACT

A golf ball marker holder is designed to be removably attached to a cap in such a way that the holder is substantially vertical and outside the wearer&#39;s field of vision. A portion of the golf ball marker extends beyond an uppermost edge of the holder to facilitate removal during play. The marker may include a magnetic element enabling it to be removably secured to a golf ball marker holder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/964,609, entitled “BALL MARKER HOLDER WITH REMOVABLE BALL MARKER” and filed Jan. 22, 2020, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to ball markers and their holders, specifically to a golf ball marker holder designed to be removably attached to a cap.

BACKGROUND

Golf ball markers are small, flat, typically round objects used to mark the location on a putting green from which a golf ball has been lifted. Golf ball markers are typically placed directly behind a golf ball before it is lifted, preserving the ball's location while removing it from play to prevent interference. The flat nature of most ball makers limits the impact they have on the trajectory of opponents' balls should they roll over the marker. Ball markers may contain indicia on one surface which serves decorative purposes and enables the differentiation of multiple markers. When ready to putt, a player will place their golf ball back on the green directly in front of the marker before picking up and stowing the marker. Some ball markers are sold in kits with a holder that reduces the likelihood that the small marker will be lost, misplaced, or damaged.

SUMMARY

According to a first embodiment, an apparatus includes a ball marker having a first magnetic element and a ball marker holder having a ball marker receiving area on an exterior face of the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder includes a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second magnetic elements attract one another to hold the ball marker to the exterior face of the ball marker holder. At least a portion of the exterior face of the ball marker holder curves out of a plane of the ball marker.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus includes a ball marker having a first magnetic element, and a ball marker holder having a ball marker receiving area on an exterior face of the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder including a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second magnetic elements attract one another to hold the ball marker to the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder has a first edge which forms an uppermost edge of the ball marker holder when the ball marker holder is oriented vertically. When held to the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the uppermost edge such that an underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the uppermost edge.

According to a further embodiment, an apparatus includes a ball marker having a first magnetic element, and a ball marker holder having a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second magnetic elements attract one another to hold the ball marker to the ball marker holder. The ball marker holder includes a front panel and a rear panel, each of the front and rear panels being curved rearwardly. The front panel and the rear panel are rigidly fixed to each other to form a gap between the front panel and a lower edge of the rear panel to receive a cap strap, the gap being at least two millimeters and extending upwardly from the lower edge of the rear panel by at least 1.5 centimeters.

According to yet another embodiment, a method of using a ball marker and ball marker holder with a cap is disclosed. The ball marker holder has a first panel with a first panel width which is greater than a first panel height, the first panel curving rearwardly along its width, and the ball marker holder includes a second panel positioned behind the first panel, the second panel having a second panel width which is greater than a second panel height. The second panel is permanently spaced from the first panel at a lower end of the second panel, and the first and second panels being arranged such that the first and second panels are configured to be placed over a cap strap. The method includes mounting the ball marker holder to a cap by sliding the first and second panels over a cap strap such that the cap strap is positioned between the first and second panels, and such the first panel is oriented vertically when the cap is held or worn upright. The method also includes removing the ball marker from the ball marker holder while the first panel is oriented vertically.

It should be appreciated that the foregoing concepts, and additional concepts discussed below, may be arranged in any suitable combination, as the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Further, other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures may be represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front, top, left perspective view of a ball marker holder with an attached removable ball marker, the ball marker holder being attached to the rear strap of a baseball cap according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front, top, left perspective view of a ball marker holder with removable ball marker installed;

FIG. 3 is an exploded front, top, left perspective view of a ball marker holder with removable ball marker removed;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a ball marker holder with removable ball marker installed;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a ball marker holder with removable ball marker installed;

FIG. 6 is a left elevation view of a ball marker holder with removable ball marker installed; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4 showing a ball marker holder with removable ball marker installed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Golf ball markers are small, flat, typically round objects used to mark the location on a putting green from which a golf ball has been lifted. A player typically marks the location of his ball by placing a marker directly behind it before lifting the ball. This preserves the balls location while removing it from play to prevent interference during other players putts. When ready to put, the player will place the ball back on the green directly in front of the marker before picking up and stowing the marker. Ball markers play an important role in the putting phase of golf, and players interact with their markers numerous times each round.

Golf ball markers are often be sold in kits with a holder. These holders reduce the likelihood that the small marker will be lost, damaged, or misplaced. Some holders contain one or more magnets which are used to removably secure the ball marker. In such instances, the marker may include a corresponding magnet or may be comprised of a material attracted to the magnet in the holder. Others holders may use an interference fit to secure the ball marker. The holder and the manner of marker attachment are often designed such that a player has quick access to the marker during the game. To this end, golf ball marker holders may be designed to attach to a players clothing or equipment.

Some ball markers are designed to be attached to the brim of a player's cap. Clipping the holder to the brim introduces an object into a player's field of view. This may create a visual imbalance, which can be distracting and hinder a player's performance. The brim design also has limited visibility of the marker for other players and/or spectators.

The inventors have recognized the benefits of a golf ball marker holder that can be attached to a cap in such a way as to prevent visual distraction for the player, enable continued viewing of the marker and its indicia during normal usage, and facilitate easy removal and installation of the marker onto the holder.

Such a golf ball marker holder may be configured to be removably attachable to the strap portion of a conventional baseball style cap or visor. The strap portion is typically located on the rear side of a cap opposite the brim and may comprise two individual straps which overlap and can be joined via studs and holes or hook and loop fasteners. Alternative straps may comprise a single strap removably attachable to a corresponding feature on the cap such as a buckle or clamp.

Regardless of cap strap configuration, the golf ball marker holder may comprise two panels defining a gap which the hat strap or straps can slot into. The gap may be designed such that its height, depth, width, and/or curvature securely accommodates most standard cap straps. This secure fit may prevent unnecessary movement of the holder during play. The secure fit may also prevent accidental disconnection of the holder from the hat. Attaching the ball marker holder to the rear of the hat may prevent the holder from visually distracting the player wearing the hat. If the hat is worn “backwards” with the brim at the back, the ball marker holder is still maintained out of sight of the wearer.

Additionally, the arrangement of the present disclosure allows for the marker and holder to be oriented substantially vertically when worn such that any indicia, emblems, logos, or other aesthetic considerations are visible to other people during normal usage. This allowing players to project their personal style, allows groups to becoming familiar with each other's markers, and provides a platform for brands and advertisers.

Such a golf ball marker may also be designed to provide easy access during play. In some embodiments, the golf ball marker may be securable to a first panel of the golf ball holder which faces away from the wearer when attached to a hat. The golf ball marker may be magnetically attached to the holder, which may contain one or more features which align the marker during installation. Other manners of attachment may be used as the design is not limited in this respect. Such features may be protrusions, ribs, embosses, or other geometrical alignment features.

In some embodiments, the golf ball marker and holder may be arranged to facilitate lifting the marker off of the holder. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the marker extends beyond an edge of the holder such that a user can position his or her finger underneath the installed marker and lift the marker off of the holder. In some embodiments, multiple portions of the marker may extend past the holder. Such portions may be arranged at a 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock orientation such that access is equivalent and uncompromised for both right and left handed golfers.

Turning now to the figures, according to one embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a cap 100 is worn on a golfer's head. The rear of the cap opposite the brim comprises a strap 110 which may be used to adjust the brim diameter of the hat to fit the heads of differentially sized golfers. A golf ball marker holder may be removably attached to the strap 110 of cap 100. The cap may be worn with the brim at the back so that the ball marker holder is positioned on the golfer's forehead.

FIG. 2 shows golf ball marker holder 200 comprising a first panel 210, a second panel 220, and a connector 230. In some embodiments, these three components may be rigidly connected. In alternative embodiments, these components may be hinged or flexibly connected.

In the illustrated embodiment, first panel 210 is a front panel and second panel 220 is a rear panel.

The first and second panels 210 and 220 define substantially parallel side walls of a gap 260 (not visible in FIG. 2) which terminate against connector 230. In some embodiments, the distance between the first panel 210 and the second panel 220 is at least 2 mm, and in some embodiments is at least 4 mm. This gap is designed to receive the strap 110 of hat 100 in such a way that holder 200 may be removably secured to hat 100. When secured to hat 100, the first panel 210 is on the exterior side of strap 110 and the second panel is on the interior side of strap 100 abutting the wearer's head. Connector 230 rests on the upper portion of the strap.

The first panel 210 may also be used to hide strap 110 of cap 100. As such, in some embodiments the first panel's height in the vertical direction may be greater than 15 mm and its linear width in the horizontal direction parallel with the ground may be at least 70 mm. The second panel 220 may be equal in height or shorter than the first panel 210 such that it is concealed behind the first panel. Additionally, the second panel 220 may have a width that is less than that of the first panel 210. In some embodiments, the second panel 220 may be greater than 20 mm wide and less than 60 mm wide.

In some embodiments, the second panel 220 may be curved in one or more directions to better fit against the head of a user. In such embodiments, the first panel 210 may also be curved in one or more directions. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first panel 210 is curved rearwardly away from a ball marker receiving area. In embodiments where the first panel 210 is curved, the radius of curvature may be at least 50 mm. Alternatively, one or both panels may be flat. In embodiments where one or both of the first and second panels 210 and 220 are curved, selective portions of each panel may be flat. For example, the portion of the first panel located behind removable ball marker 300 may be substantially flat to ensure consistent planar contact with a greater portion of the surface area of the ball marker 300. The ball marker holder 200 may curve out of a plane of ball marker 300 in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the exterior face of the first panel 210 may contain first and a second sections 212 and 214. These sections may be differentiated from the remainder of the exterior face of first panel 210 through a material change, a color change, an addition of indicia or markings via pad printing or alternative means of processing. This may be done for the purpose of decoration or to add branding. While the attached figures show two distinct sections 212 and 214, it should be appreciated that any desirable number of sections may be used as the application is not limited in this respect.

The exterior face of the first panel 210 may also contain one or more walls, such as first and second ribs 240 and 242, which help align and secure removable ball marker 300. In alternative embodiments, features other than ribs such as posts or walls may be used for the same purposes.

Further embodiments may include a countersink which ball marker 300 may reside in. In some embodiments, ribs 240 and 242 may have a variable height along their lengths to account for the rearward curvature of the first panel 210. In the embodiments shown, the ribs have an arcuate shape corresponding to the circular shape of marker 300, however it should be understood that any shape feature may be used. In the embodiments show, two ribs are used, however it should be understood that any suitable quantity of rib or similar features may be used. In some embodiments, no alignment features are employed.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the golf ball marker holder 200 of FIG. 2. with removable golf ball marker 300 removed. Removing the marker reveals magnetic element 250. In this embodiment, magnetic element 250 is shown to be centrally located on and protruding from a ball marker receiving area of the exterior face of first panel 210. In alternative embodiments, magnetic elements may be fully countersunk. The magnetic element 250 may be one of any known variety including but not limited to neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt, alnico, or ceramic or ferrite magnets. Alternatively, first panel 210 may intrinsically have magnetic properties. As shown, magnetic element 250 is shown to have a substantially flat exterior face corresponding to the flat design of removable ball marker 300. In other embodiments magnetic element 250 may be curved or contain features that protrude from or recess into the exterior face. In some embodiments, the exterior face of magnetic element 250 may contain indicia, markings, patterning, branding or other distinguishing visual and/or textual features as described relating to sections 212 and 214. A magnetic element does not necessarily need to be a magnet. For example, a piece of metal including iron which is not magnetized may be used as a magnetic element in the ball marker while a magnet is used in the ball marker holder. In such an embodiment, both components would be considered to be magnetic elements.

FIG. 3 additionally shows removable ball marker 300, which is shown to be circular and substantially flat in this embodiment. In alternative embodiments, marker 300 may be any suitable shape. Additionally, marker 300 may include poke yoke features such as notches or protrusions which help align it with holder 200 during installation. Marker 300 also contains a third section 310 on its exterior face. This section may also contain indicia, markings, patterning, branding or other distinguishing visual and/or textual features as described relating to magnetic element 250 and sections 212 and 214. While not shown, marker 300 may include a magnetic element 320 which is attached to magnetic element 250 of the first panel 210 of holder 200. Alternatively, marker 300 may have intrinsic magnetic properties. In embodiments where the entirety of first panel 210 has magnetic properties, marker 300 or its magnetic element 320 may be magnetically attached to panel 210. In embodiments where it is a separate component, magnetic element 320 may be joined to marker 300 using an adhesive or via alternative means including press fitting, welding, etc.

While shown as being attached by magnetic attraction, it should be appreciated that removable ball marker 300 can be attached to holder 200 by any suitable manner including press it, interference fit, adhesion, or via a structural feature such as a clip.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of golf ball marker holder 200, revealing the interior surface of the second panel 220, which includes cushion 222. In some embodiments, cushion 222 is used to provide comfort to the user. It may also be used to better grip the users head or hair, preventing unwanted motion of holder 200 or hat 100. This cushion 222 may be made of leather, synthetic leather, a woven material, silicone, or any other material with desirable properties. In some embodiments, the cushion may serve to absorb the sweat of a user. In some embodiments, the cushion may also include indicia or other visual and/or textural detailing as described above. In the embodiments shown, cushion 222 matches the curvature of second panel 220, however in alternative embodiments the cushion may have a more pronounced curvature than the second panel 220, or may have less of a curvature, or even be flat.

FIG. 4 shows marker 300 extending past first panel 210 and ribs 240 and 242. This may be done for aesthetic reasons or to provide surfaces/edges which a user can manipulate during installation or removal of marker 300. Alternative embodiments may not include these different heights, for example the exterior surface of marker 300 may be coplanar with ribs 240 and 242 or the first panel 210.

Looking at golf ball marker holder 200 also reveals first and second grip features 216 and 218. These grip features run substantially vertical and parallel along the outer interior edges of first panel 210 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, they may provide additional grip stabilizing and retaining holder 200 on the strap 110 of hat 100. While two grip features are shown on the sides of first panel 210 are shown, any suitable number of grip features may be used in any location on first panel 210, second panel 220, and/or connector 230.

FIG. 5. shows a bottom view of golf ball marker holder 200. In this view, gap 260 as described above, is visible.

As described above, FIGS. 4 and 5 show how in some embodiments golf ball marker 200 and its constituent components, including first panel 210, curve rearwardly out of plane with golf ball marker 300.

FIG. 6 shows a side elevation view of golf ball marker 200. This view illustrates how golf ball marker 300 may extend beyond the first panel 210 of holder 200 at two locations, thereby creating first and second lips 330 and 332. These lips 330 and 332 enable a user to place a finger on an underside of marker 300 to remove it from holder 200. Doing so greatly reduces the difficulty of removing the marker, especially when the user is wearing one or more gloves which is common practice during golf. In the illustrated embodiments, there are two instances of overhang located at the 6 o'clock and 12 o'clock positions of the marker when installed. As shown in FIG. 4, the furthermost portions of ball marker 300 at lips 330 and 320 extend vertically beyond any other portion of holder 200, including the fastener portion. It should be appreciated that any such number of overhanging portions may be used to suit the needs of the player.

According to some embodiments, a marker may extend beyond an uppermost edge of the marker holder. For purposes herein, the term edge does not require an angled meeting of two planes, but instead can be an end surface or border of an object.

Marker 300 may be flat and first panel 210 of holder 200 may be curved, such that that a lip is positioned underneath the marker around the entire edge of the marker.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of golf ball marker holder 200 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4. This view shows strap 110 of cap 100 slotted into gap 260 of holder 200. In this embodiment, strap 110 is shown out of contact with first panel 210, second panel 220, or connector 230. In some embodiments, some or all of these components may be in continuous or intermittent contact with each other. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the interplay between a first magnetic element 320 of marker 300 and a second magnetic element 250 of holder 200 is shown.

While the present teachings have been described in conjunction with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments or examples. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a ball marker having a first magnetic element; and a ball marker holder having a ball marker receiving area on an exterior face of the ball marker holder, the ball marker holder including a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second magnetic elements attract one another to hold the ball marker to the exterior face of the ball marker holder; wherein at least a portion of the exterior face of the ball marker holder curves out of a plane of the ball marker.
 2. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a first wall abutting the ball marker receiving area.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the first wall has a variable height along a length of the wall.
 4. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: the ball marker holder has a first edge and a second edge opposed to the first edge; and when held to the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the first edge and beyond the second edge such that an underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the first edge and beyond the second edge.
 5. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein along a first length traveling away from a first side of the ball marker receiving area, the ball marker support curves rearwardly away from the ball marker receiving area, and wherein along a second length traveling away from a second side of the ball marker receiving area, the ball marker support curves rearwardly away from the ball marker receiving area.
 6. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein: the ball marker holder has a first edge which forms an uppermost edge of the ball marker holder when the ball marker holder is oriented vertically; and when held to the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the uppermost edge such that an underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the uppermost edge.
 7. An apparatus comprising: a ball marker having a first magnetic element; a ball marker holder having a ball marker receiving area on an exterior face of the ball marker holder, the ball marker holder including a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second magnetic elements attract one another to hold the ball marker to the ball marker holder; wherein the ball marker holder has a first edge which forms an uppermost edge of the ball marker holder when the ball marker holder is oriented vertically; and when held to the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the uppermost edge such that an underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the uppermost edge.
 8. An apparatus as in claim 7, further comprising a first wall positioned on a first lateral side of the ball marker receiving area, a marker-facing surface of the first wall being parallel to a corresponding sidewall of the ball marker.
 9. An apparatus as in claim 8, further comprising a second wall positioned on a second lateral side of the ball marker receiving area, a marker-facing surface of the second wall being parallel to a corresponding sidewall of the ball marker.
 10. An apparatus as in claim 9, wherein the first wall comprises a first rib and the second wall comprises a second rib.
 11. An as in claim 9, wherein a height of the first wall is variable along a length of the first wall, and a height of the second wall is variable along a length of the second wall.
 12. An apparatus comprising: a ball marker having a first magnetic element; a ball marker holder having a second magnetic element, wherein the first and second magnetic elements attract one another to hold the ball marker to the ball marker holder; the ball marker holder including a front panel and a rear panel, each of the front and rear panels being curved rearwardly; and the front panel and the rear panel being rigidly fixed to each other to form a gap between the front panel and a lower edge of the rear panel to receive a cap strap, the gap being at least two millimeters and extending upwardly from the lower edge of the rear panel by at least 1.5 centimeters.
 13. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the front panel is connected to the rear panel with a connector positioned at a top of the front panel and a top of the rear panel.
 14. An apparatus as in claim 12, further comprising a first wall abutting the ball marker receiving area.
 15. An apparatus as in claim 14, wherein the first wall has a variable height along a length of the wall.
 16. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein: the ball marker holder has a first edge and a second edge opposed to the first edge; and when held to the ball marker holder, the ball marker extends beyond the first edge and beyond the second edge such that an underside of the ball marker is exposed beyond the first edge and beyond the second edge.
 17. An apparatus as in claim 12, wherein the front panel includes a ball marker receiving area, and along a first length traveling laterally away from a first side of the ball marker receiving area, the ball marker support curves rearwardly away from the ball marker receiving area, and wherein along a second length traveling laterally away from a second side of the ball marker receiving area, the ball marker support curves rearwardly away from the ball marker receiving area.
 18. A method of using a ball marker and ball marker holder with a cap, the ball marker holder having a first panel with a first panel width which is greater than a first panel height, the first panel curving rearwardly along its width, and the ball marker holder including a second panel positioned behind the first panel, the second panel having a second panel width which is greater than a second panel height, the second panel being permanently spaced from the first panel at a lower end of the second panel, and the first and second panels being arranged such that the first and second panels are configured to be placed over a cap strap, the method comprising: mounting the ball marker holder to a cap by sliding the first and second panels over a cap strap such that the cap strap is positioned between the first and second panels, and such the first panel is oriented vertically when the cap is held or worn upright; and removing the ball marker from the ball marker holder while the first panel is oriented vertically. 